Craft Project: Poker Playing Cards Tray

This Poker Playing Cards tray project is a great way to serve drinks or even some snack mix at your next big poker night. You can make it any shape or size to fit your own needs. You can also make this easy Poker Playing Cards craft and give it as a hostess gift to you poker game host. You should be able to make this entire Poker Playing Cards tray craft project in less than 2 hours and should spend about $20. You might be able to make it for less if you have some of the materials around the house.

To make this Poker Playing Cards Tray Craft Projection Will Need:

Deck of Playing Cards

Wood gel stain

Pine Board

Picture Frame Molding

Plexi Glass (cut to your size)

Cabinet Handles 2)

Screws

Epoxy Glue

Miter Saw (iotnal0

1 inch finishing nails

Hammer

Primer

Paint (Your choice of color)

Drill

Screw Driver

The first step is to decide what size you want your Poker Playing Cards serving tray to be. I think that 12"X18" is a great size, so that is the dimensions I will be using in this project. You could also make this project in a circle, square, triangle, or any rectangular dimensions you like though!

Now, you can have your board cut to size at the home improvement store or cut it yourself. You could also use an old cabinet door for this project and leave off the picture frame trim.

Use a miter saw to cut your picture molding to fit each for the four sides. You will want each piece to have a 90 degree angle cut so they can fit together like a frame. If you do not have a miter saw you could buy a simple picture frame and have your wood board cut to the same size. Use one inch finishing nails to attach the wood frame or picture frame molding to the board either way.

Now, I like to prime the entire Poker Playing Cards tray piece out in a good quality primer. Once this dries you can paint your tray any color you wish. I recommend using milk paint or a high gloss paint for added durability.

Next, start by smoothing on a line of epoxy glue on the outer edge of one of the side, right up inside of the picture frame trim. Add the playing cards with the suit facing up. Work your way around the rectangle tray. Now, smooth a bead of glue just inside of those poker cards. Add another row of Poker Playing Cards so that they slightly over lap the cards of the first row. Continue working your way around.

Keep repeating until you reach the middle of your Poker Playing Cards tray.

Let the glue dry completely.

Now, I like to rub some wood gel stain on the poker hands so that they look aged and vintage, but this step is totally optional. Rub the stain on with an old white t-shirt and wipe any excess off. Let this dry completely.

Place your plexi glass over the top of your Poker Playing Cards tray. Use a black marker to make two dots where your handle holes need to be. Mark them on the tray board as well. Drill though the plexi glass to make these holes. Drill through the picture frame molding on either side of the tray where you would like to place your handle. Drill all the way though because you will be putting your screws into the handles from the back.

Now you are finished! You can use your Poker Playing Cards tray to give as the perfect hostess gift!